KSC-02PD-0030
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A crane in the Vertical Processing Facility lifts the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System off the workstand. NICMOS II is part of the payload on mission STS-109, the Hubble Servicing Telescope Mission. It is a new experimental cooling system consisting of a compressor and tiny turbines. With the experimental cryogenic system, NASA hopes to re-cool the infrared detectors to below -315 degrees F (-193 degrees Celsius). NICMOS II was previously tested aboard STS-95 in 1998. It could extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope by several years. Astronauts aboard Columbia on mission STS-109 will be replacing the original NICMOS with the newer version. Launch of mission STS-109 is scheduled for Feb. 28, 2002
Usage Rights
Most NASA images are in the public domain and free to use. Credit NASA as the source. Check NASA's media usage guidelines for details. Images featuring identifiable individuals may require additional permissions.
Details
NASA ID
02pd0030
Date Created
January 17, 2002
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Photographer
NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Downloads
Download this image in multiple resolutions. All NASA media are free for public use.